2010-02-21

Songs with a reference to Chicago (Update: 2009-02-20)

To make a long story short, this is the largest “Chicago-songs" list in the world. After the main list, I have also included some mini-lists with bands, albums and album-covers related to Chicago. Upon further thought, I have excluded some songs that artists say are written about life in Chicago but which provide no such concrete clue. These songs have been put in the “Unclear” list. After all, every song is written with some place in mind (I guess) but the main list only has tracks that make a clear reference to the city or one of its landmarks / historical events / personalities / teams, etc.

Not about Chicago:
• Back in ’72 (Bob Seger) [refers to the town of Lincoln Park, Michigan]
• Down By The Embarrass – Win Stracke [reference is to Chicago River]
• Take The Time – Freddy Jones Band [I’ve seen it in another list and that’s the only reason I’m including this here]
• Teenage Lust (MC5) [refers to the town of Lincoln Park, Michigan]
• Windy City – June Tabor [nice song but ‘it’s nothing to do with Chicago’ as confirmed by songwriter Ian Telfer himself, in an email exchange we had]

Music Albums with pictures of Chicago on the cover:
• Chicago XI – Chicago [map of Chicago area on the LP cover]
• Sublime – Sublime [drawing of Sears Tower on the CD / not the cover]
• Virtual Limits EP – Moonman [‘Chicago’ in road sign of I-94 on the CD]

What I Offer

A thematic music list is a great way to show your interest, love or affection for a friend or loved one. It can be a list of songs about their hometown, or their name or their favorite sport. Or something else you’ve thought about.

You have a few songs in mind but you’d really like to offer them a fantastic list that will make them go “wow!” with excitement. You cannot spend the tens or hundreds of hours needed to compile such a magnificent list but you don’t want to settle for something mediocre. Here’s where I come in: I compile the list for you and keep it secret from the rest of the world for at least 12 months. After that, I may, or may not, publicize it on the website, according to whatever agreement we have.

Sounds interesting? Send me an e-mail at musiclist4you@hotmail.com with your ideas and I’ll get right down to business. Your friend will be ecstatic with amazement and forever grateful for the interest you’ve shown.